Fuchsia 'SON OF THUMB'

Fuchsias are back in fashion these days, mainly because more and more countries are testing the so-called hardy fuchsias which are aimed to live outdoors, in garden beds and borders. They are usually magellanica hybrids and we are so happy to confirm they do well in continental Europe, too.

Son of Thumb fuchsia is a successor of Tom Thumb. Also garden hardy, also compact, and free flowering. It makes a mounding shrub with short, upright branches, yet perfectly covering the ground. Flowers are small, cerise pink with lilac to pale violet corolla. They are pendent and not fully opened like snowdrops.

Grow hardy fuchsias in full sun or partial shade. They need moisture from spring until they become dormant so water them freely. Mulching is recommended. However, in winter they should be kept away from wet snow and rain. Use an old plastic pot to put onto the plant upside down before the autumn rains come to keep the soil around the plant dry. Cover the plant with dry leaves or mulch and put the pot upside down onto the plant. Make sure it has holes for air circulation. Remove the pot in March and uncover the plant from mulch only after frosts. Cut back young plants, or prune older plants to live wood.

Hardy outdoor fuchsias need to be grown in full sun or minimum shade. They need moisture from spring until they become dormant so water them freely. Mulching is recommended. It is true that they hate winter wet yet they should not dry out in long and dry winters. They are not fussy about soil pH. They need well-drained, humus-rich soil. Hardiness oscillates around -21°C.

Last update 07-02-2018